Death Toll Doubles to Six in Peru Food Court Roof Collapse

LIMA, Feb 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The death toll from the roof collapse at a food court in a busy shopping center in northern Peru has risen to six, with 78 people injured, according to authorities on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of February 23 at the Real Plaza shopping complex in Trujillo, Peru’s third-largest city, located approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Lima.

Firefighters and police are still working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the wreckage, while medical teams continue to attend to the wounded. The roof of the food court suddenly caved in during a busy Friday evening when dozens of families were present, local media reported.

Defense Minister Walter Astudillo confirmed the increased death toll, updating the figure from three to six, and stated that 78 people had been injured in the collapse. Among the injured, 48 people were hospitalized, with three in serious condition. Disturbingly, at least ten of those injured were children, according to local health official Anibal Morillo.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and officials have yet to determine the factors leading to the collapse. Garlet Rodriguez, the director of the shopping complex, stated that the roof had been installed in 2017 and had passed a routine inspection as recently as September.

The collapse occurred around 8:41 pm, according to the Regional Emergency Operations Center, but news of the incident only emerged about half an hour later. Social media footage showed a devastating scene, with victims trapped under debris and desperate calls for help. One victim’s cry for assistance, “I’m just here, help!” echoed in images shared widely.

Interior Minister Juan Jose Santivanez estimated that the roof’s collapsed area covered between 700 and 800 square meters (7,500 to 8,600 square feet), further highlighting the severity of the disaster.

This tragic incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the safety of public spaces in Peru, as the country grapples with infrastructure challenges. The investigation into the cause of the collapse will be critical in preventing future accidents, particularly in crowded, high-traffic areas like shopping malls and food courts.

In the aftermath of this incident, local authorities have promised to accelerate safety audits of similar structures across the country. The Peruvian government is also expected to extend support to the families of the victims and those still recovering in hospitals.